Hello everyone and thank you for coming today. It means a lot to us that you took the time from your busy lives to help Mom & Dad celebrate an enormous milestone.

For those of you who don't know me and for those of you who haven't seen me since I was a lot younger, I'm Dawn Giuliani Cail - the oldest of two girls. I'm sure most of you have talked with or corresponded with my little sister, Jeanne. With chagrin, I admit that the congratulations for the idea, organization, and legwork for this entire event belong solely to my sister. For the past several months, she has dedicated herself to making this a memorable event.

Please forgive me for reading this, but I am a procrastinator (I didn't get that from mom or dad) and although my sister told me months ago that she wanted me to speak, I waited until the last minute to put this together. Besides, I get nervous and tongue tied when speaking to groups of people so I have to rely on my written words. My Uncle Ray and Uncle Bob's families got the gift of gab.

Fifty years ... a half a century ... such a long time that seems like only yesterday. During your lifetimes and years together, you have witnessed so many changes --

Television, videos, penicillin
Microwave ovens & frozen food
Contact lenses & credit cards
Split atoms & laser beams
Electric blankets, silicone chips & cellular phones
Indoor plumbing ... no, that was before you, wasn't it?

Remember when grass was mowed and coke was a soft drink?
When Aids were helpers in the principal's office and rock music was the lullaby you sang as you rocked us girls?

Fifty years ... a half a century ... an amazing achievement ... a 50 year partnership.

Some of you have known Mom & Dad a long time and some of you only a few years. But as I address Mom & Dad, I think you will recognize the things I speak of.

Dad, by watching you, I learned the value of doing things right the first time. You taught me to be meticulous in the things I undertake, to be organized and informed, to constantly challenge my mind. Remember all the puzzles spread out on the dinner table? Remember those mysterious missing pieces? And when you buy something that has to be assembled, does everyone get mad at you, too, for reading the directions instead of just looking at the pictures?

And Mother ... you taught me the self satisfaction of giving myself to others. I can't remember a period in my life when you weren't sewing or knitting or doing something for someone else -- and all those late nights (or should I say very early mornings) when you were completing a project for someone. Remember the majorette uniforms when I was in high school? Want to come help me issue the 200+ uniforms for my son's high school band? Mom, you think we'll ever learn to say, "no?"

As my sister so aptly put it in the Anniversary Book ... You shared with us a home filled with love and laughter, integrity and learning, compassion and generosity ... dedicated to peace, hope and respect for all people. You devoted yourselves to us with tenderness and filled our hearts with confidence, trust and joy. But above all, you've bestowed upon us one of life's greatest treasures ... the ability to love.

Had I been given the opportunity to choose who my parents would be, I could not have made a better choice than God made for me. Thank you for getting married ... for always being there ... and for showing me how great married life can be.

Mom & Dad ... I love you

Please mix and mingle, eat & be merry, and share some memories with my Mom & Dad. Help us make memories today by using the cameras on the tables to take pictures this evening. We will collect the cameras and post the pictures on the webpage.